Saddle

Saddle Mountain sits in the Columbia Basin of central Washington, about 10 miles east of the I-90 Columbia River bridge near Mattawa. It's a north-east-facing ridge and thermal site, best used in northerly and north-easterly winds — which makes it a cold but genuinely good winter site during high-pressure spells. On the right day you can string 20-mile out-and-back ridge flights. Launch is a rocky but gentle slope with a clear view down to the landing, and the ridge is roomy enough to be a great place to practise top landings. The property is public land but the drive in crosses private land under a lease agreement, so USHPA membership is required to fly here.

Launch & conditions

Rocky but gentle slope facing north-east; drops away cleanly to reveal the LZ. Large and forgiving — a good spot to learn top landing.

Getting there & local rules

From Seattle, east on I-90 past the Columbia River; take exit 132 south to the Richland/Yakima exit, stay on SR-243 for about 5 miles, then left following signs for Mattawa. Through the town, left on R Street, continue past a cattle grate to a Y — veer left, follow for about 4 miles until the road bends left; take the right-hand fork (a dirt road) for about another mile to launch.

Local rules & hazards

USHPA membership is required — this is public land but access crosses private property under a lease. Avoid Saddle in strong west or south-west winds; light-westerly summer thermal days can still work. LZ is a huge sandy riverbed, but watch for off-road vehicles that use it too.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Saddle, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Saddle with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.